Why Are MVAR Generated and MVAR Sent Out Values Different in Power Plants?

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In summary, during a visit to a power generating plant, the speaker noticed that the operator screens showed two different values for MVARs - generated and sent out. The difference between these values is due to inhouse consumption by transformers and motors. It is important for operators to know the generated MVARs to avoid exceeding the generator capability curve limit and to know the amount of power being sent out to the system.
  • #1
Physicist3
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Hi,

Apologies if the answer to this is quite simple but I recently went on a visit to a power generating plant and when in the control room, noticed that the operator screens had two values for MVARs? There was a value for MVAR generated and a value for MVAR sent out, both were different from each other. How are these values different and what causes the difference? I would imagine the MVAR generated is that from the terminals of the generator which is controlled via Excitation changes etc.? No-one in the control room from the plant could seem to give me an answer?

Many Thanks
 
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  • #2
Just guessing here,,
Generated versus "sent out" will differ by inhouse consumption
Plants have lots of transformers and motors that consume quite a few vars.Was this a plant with several generators ? If so, each would be metered .

it's important for you as an operator to know generated vars so that you can verify you're not approaching your generator capability curve limit, and it's handy to know what is going out into the system because that is what the system dispatcher asks you to produce for him.
 
  • #3
I guess this is a good guess:)
jim hardy said:
Just guessing here,,
Generated versus "sent out" will differ by inhouse consumption
Plants have lots of transformers and motors that consume quite a few vars.
 

FAQ: Why Are MVAR Generated and MVAR Sent Out Values Different in Power Plants?

1. What is MVAR?

MVAR stands for Mega Volt-Ampere Reactive, which is a unit used to measure the reactive power in an electrical system. It is a measure of the energy that is stored and released by capacitors and inductors in the system.

2. How is MVAR generated?

MVAR is generated by synchronous generators, which are connected to the electrical grid. These generators produce both active power (measured in watts) and reactive power (measured in MVAR) to maintain the voltage and stability of the grid.

3. What factors affect the amount of MVAR produced?

The amount of MVAR produced is affected by the electrical load on the system, the power factor of the load, and the characteristics of the generators and other equipment connected to the grid. Changes in any of these factors can result in changes in the amount of MVAR being generated.

4. How is MVAR sent out?

MVAR is sent out through power lines and other transmission equipment in the electrical grid. The amount of MVAR sent out is controlled by devices called capacitors and reactors, which can either absorb or release reactive power to maintain the desired voltage levels.

5. Why is MVAR important in an electrical system?

MVAR is important in an electrical system because it helps to maintain the voltage and stability of the grid. Without enough reactive power, the voltage can drop and cause power outages. Additionally, having too much reactive power can also cause problems, so it is important to carefully manage the amount of MVAR being generated and sent out in the system.

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